A West African wedding is often two or three events in one: the traditional ceremony, the church or registry wedding and the reception. Starting a year ahead gives families time to plan without panic.
Twelve to eight months out
Agree on a budget with both families. Decide on the date and whether the traditional and white weddings will be on the same weekend or separate. Draft a guest list. Start saving. Book the church or officiant, and the reception venue. Popular venues in Accra and Lagos fill quickly, especially around Easter and December. Book a wedding planner if you are using one.
Book key vendors: photographer, videographer, caterer and decorator. Start premarital counselling if your church requires it. Take medical tests, including genotype. Choose wedding colours and family fabric. Begin looking for the gown and traditional outfits. Book an MC and DJ or band.
Six months to two months out
Families meet to discuss the traditional ceremony and the list of items requested by the bride’s family. Order the wedding cake. Book hair, makeup and gele stylists. Send save-the-date messages. Share fabric details for aso ebi or family cloth so guests can buy and sew in time. Book transport and accommodation for out-of-town guests. Order invitations and souvenirs. Finalise the menu with the caterer. Plan the honeymoon.
Send invitations. Buy wedding bands. Begin gown fittings. Confirm the reception programme with the MC. Give notice of marriage to the registry if you are marrying under the Ordinance. Confirm all vendors. Prepare a detailed wedding day timeline.
The last month and after
Final fittings. Confirm guest numbers with the caterer. Arrange seating and protocol. Prepare payments for vendors. Confirm timings with every vendor. Pack an emergency kit. Hold a rehearsal at the church. Rest, eat well and drink water. Plan the thanksgiving service, pay remaining vendor balances, return rented items and send thank-you messages in the weeks after.
Every family is different. Some weddings are planned in three months; others take two years. Adjust the timeline to your situation. The couples who enjoy their wedding day are usually those who finished the planning a week before it. Start early, and leave the last week for rest.
